Palm Bay Council Meeting: Key Decisions Coming Thursday Night
A guide to the key discussions and decisions at Thursday’s Palm Bay City Council meeting.
Palm Bay, FL – The City Council meets Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM inside Council Chambers at 120 Malabar Road SE. with a full agenda that includes a major police department recognition, multiple public hearings, transportation funding decisions, and two items that could affect road projects across the city. Here’s a clear look at what residents should watch.
Celebration Honoring Palm Bay Police Department at 5:30 PM
Before the meeting, the City will host a public celebration recognizing the Palm Bay Police Department’s achievement of Excelsior Status from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (Palm Bay Sets the Bar for Professional Excellence). Residents are invited to attend for light refreshments and a ceremonial cake cutting.
Key Public Hearings
Several easement vacations are listed, but the more notable items include:
Stormwater Fee Update
Council will consider Resolution 2025-43, which updates the city’s stormwater fee structure (City Stormwater Program). The change introduces a reduced flat fee for small agricultural parcels under 20 acres, affecting about 45 properties citywide. The adjustment lowers their annual fee from an average of 954 dollars to 131 dollars, aligning charges with actual stormwater impact. Since this applies to a small group of property owners, the overall financial effect is minimal.
Withdrawn Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Four land use items tied to the Moallem properties have been withdrawn. While these items will not be heard, the withdrawal signals the possibility that revised proposals could return in the future.
Transportation Items to Watch
Palm Bay’s rapid growth continues to place pressure on major roadways. Several transportation related actions are on the agenda.
Emerson Drive and St. Johns Heritage Parkway Signal Redesign
Council will consider funding a redesigned four way signal at Emerson Drive and St. Johns Heritage Parkway. This intersection was originally designed as a three leg signal. Two new gas station projects in the area are driving the need to extend Emerson west, add turn lanes, and plan for future four lane expansion. The redesign cost is $67,947 and would be funded through transportation impact fees.
FDOT LAP Agreement for Malabar Road Widening
Council will consider approving an agreement with FDOT to begin the design phase for widening Malabar Road from Minton Road to St. Johns Heritage Parkway. This design work is the first formal step in a long multiyear process. After design, the project must move through right of way review, permitting, and FDOT funding cycles. Construction is still years away, but Thursday’s action keeps the widening effort progressing through the required early stages.
Transportation Impact Fee Allocation
Council will vote on whether to allocate $3.4 Million dollars in transportation impact fees to fund the Project Development and Environment study for widening Emerson Drive from St. Johns Heritage Parkway to Jupiter Boulevard. This is the preliminary design work needed before any future construction.
Additional Agenda Items
American Flag Presentation honoring Christopher J. Swist.
LITE Program (Leadership, Integrity, Training, and Excellence) Graduation Recognition.
Planning Matters Outreach update from Growth Management.
Discussion on councilmembers serving as representatives to outside agencies.
Annual charter officer evaluations.
Public Participation
Residents wanting to speak must fill out an orange comment card at the entrance. Public comment for non agenda items will occur before the consent agenda. The meeting can also be watched live through the City’s streaming service.
More details will be available following the meeting, and The Palm Bayer will continue tracking the issues that matter most to Palm Bay residents.
Full Agenda Packet:
